Gravity fed toilet device of mega low water comsumption

ABSTRACT

The present invention is related to toilet device. Specifically, the present invention is related to a gravity fed toilet device of mega low water consumption, since it only consumes one gallon per flush (gpf) or 3.8 liters per flush (lpf), which is highly desirable for users. Conventional gravity fed toilets require a water consumption above 1.03 gpf/3.85 lpf for them to be efficient, or they require special accessories to improve their efficiency. The present invention significantly overcomes this high water consumption by providing a mega lower water consumption toilet device (i.e., 1 gpf/3.8 lpf), which operates by means of a conventional gravity system, without needing any accessory or special fittings elements, and with performance results equivalent or superior to those required for the highest standards and the regulation of world market. Therefore, the present invention is desirable for the final consumer, since it provides a significant saving in water consumption

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to the field of toilet devices, which have the purpose of evacuating solid or liquid waste into the sewer system, leaving the device clean for the next cycle. Particularly, the present invention discloses a novel gravity fed toilet of mega low water consumption, which does not require special accessories, since its components and specific configuration are enough for producing an efficient discharge of body waste with a small amount of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the state of the art, it is well known that today in the world an increasing concern has been raised regarding water consumption, due to the high demand of drinkable water by the growing world population, the deterioration of water sources and water contamination.

Particularly, toilet devices or systems require water as supply for their functioning and, therefore, it is essential to develop new products that are more efficient in the use of water by using less water per cycle.

Thus, the evolution of new toilet developments in the world is remarkable, since they have gone from toilets with an average consumption of 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf)/1.3 liters per flush (lpf) at the beginning of the 90's to conventional toilets today with a low consumption average of 1.6 gpf (6 lpf); and some other toilets are efficient (known as ultra low consumption toilets), which use an average of 1.28 gpf (4.85 lpf). In the world market there are some products which offer a consumption lower than that of conventional toilets, but in these cases, either an assisted-pressure system for evacuating waste or some kind of special accessory in the gravity fed devices are used to achieve such objective (e.g., special mechanical accessories, such as those of plane toilets). Thus, the challenge for the manufacturers of this kind of products is to make a gravity fed toilet without special accessories for its functioning, to siphonically evacuate, ensuring an efficient waste evacuation and, at same time, guaranteeing the washing of the well, the restoration of the hydraulic seal and the complying of the most demanding performance regulations with a water volume of less than 1.28 gpf (4.85 lpf).

As compared to conventional toilets, they are composed of two main parts, a bowl and a tank or cistern containing conventional water flowing devices; for some models this tank or cistern may be integrated to the bowl as a single piece.

The way in which these conventional toilets function is due to the water contained in the tank which is regulated by a device called “tank fitting” composed of an “inlet valve” and an “outlet valve”, which doses the filling amount (water level in the tank or cistern) and the water amount to be delivered to the bowel, respectively, for a correct dosing. After ensuring the water supply and the water level in the tank or cistern, the seal is removed with the actuator lever of the tank, or for some models with a push button, the water runs through the rim, and additionally for some models, through channels leading directly to the siphon inlet called “jet”. This water drags the waste contained in the well of the bowl, as a result of the effect of the washing holes and of the jet, through the bowl siphon towards the blow-off pipelines. Toilets may be siphonic or non siphonic (wash down). For siphonic toilets, when the siphon is filled with water, a vacuum effect is generated, and due to the communicating vessels effect, the water contained in the well is dragged and, thus more efficiently evacuated from the bowl.

Regarding assisted-pressure toilets, some models are composed of two parts, a bowl and a tank or cistern having a special water flow device, and this tank or cistern may be integrated to the bowel as a single piece. Other models do not have a tank or cistern and use a flow device that directly takes the flow and the pressure of water from the network for its functioning.

For those models with a tank or cistern, its functioning obeys to the water contained in a special tank that uses the network pressure and matches it to supply it to the bowl with pressure, and then be sent through the rim and special channels towards the jet, thus pushing the waste at high speed to the siphon, and therefore, to the drainage pipes. Generally these bowls are not siphonic and depend on minimal pressure in the water network (25 lbs (11.34 kg)). For those models lacking a tank or cistern, a flow device or fitting called “flushometer” is used, which takes the flow and water pressure from the network of 2 inches (508 mm) in diameter, for its functioning.

The disadvantages of these pressure-assisted toilets are that they are excessively expensive due to the high cost of fittings; they require a minimal pressure of 25 lbs (11.34 kg) for their functioning. Because they work with pressure water, they are noisy when activated. “Flushometer” toilets require water networks of 2 inches (508 mm) which are not standard for home applications.

Accordingly, it s clear that, in the state of the art, there is still an urgent need of a novel gravity fed toilet that siphonically evacuates waste, ensuring the well washing, the restoration of hydraulic seal with just 1 gpf (3.8 lpf) of water and without special accessories for its functioning. There is not a gravity fed toilet in the world market with a consumption of 1 gpf (3.8 lpf), since the reduction of water consumption makes it more difficult to ensure the performance and the complying of regulations. The only toilets available in the market providing a mega low water consumption of 1 gpf (3.8 lpf) are assisted-pressure, which are more expensive due to the special fittings cost, and they are not as attractive for the general users.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The toilet device of the present invention can be better understood by referring to the accompanying figures, for which the following is a brief description:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gravity fed toilet device as the one of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plane view from the left side of the toilet device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plane view from the right side of the toilet device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plane view from the top side of the toilet device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plane view from the bottom side of the toilet device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plane view from the front side of the toilet device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cross section from the right side of the gravity fed toilet device as that of the present invention that illustrates the functioning of the toilet.

FIG. 8 a is a schematic plane view from the left side of a conventional gravity fed toilet device, which illustrates the water flow path needed to discharge the body waste.

FIG. 8 b is a schematic plane view from the left side of the gravity fed toilet device of the present invention, which illustrates the water flow path needed to discharge the body waste.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the disadvantages of conventional toilet devices, either gravity fed or pressure-assisted, the applicant of the present invention has developed a novel toilet system capable of achieving an additional water saving of 37.5% over conventional toilets of low-consumption (1.6 gpf/6 lpf), and 71.4% over conventional toilets of early generation (discharge of 3.5 gpf/13 lpf), since it was possible to reduce water consumption to 1 gpf (3.8 lpf) maintaining a high performance according to the highest standards of international regulations.

To achieve this and other purposes, the present invention provides in a first embodiment, a gravity fed toilet device comprising a main body formed by a water storing tank (1) and a bowl (2) placed on a support base, characterized because the water storing tank includes an inlet valve (1.1) for supplying water by means of which a water pressure head of 220 mm is ensured, and an actuator (1.2) that lifts the seal of an outlet valve (1.3) allowing the exit of water into the bowl (2). This water takes two trajectories: one—first trajectory (A)—runs through the upper portion of the bowl (2) around a rim (2.1) which exhibits, in its lower portion, a set of washing holes (2.2) 5 mm in diameter, separated 50 mm from each other and located along its lower inner surface in 40 degrees sloped position with respect to the horizontal. The second trajectory at the end of the outlet valve (1.3) runs towards the jet channel (2.3) which runs by the bowl (2) downwardly in a (B) trajectory and then runs around its lower part, inside the base towards the so-called jet hole (J), located in the lower part of the bowl well (2). The function of the jet channel (2.3) is to channel the water leaving the tank, without loss of energy or volume, as effectively as possible, to be then directed by the jet (J) towards a third trajectory (C) in an elongated conduct called siphon (2.4). The water ascends by the siphon which, at first—trajectory (C)—shows a low slope to make the passing of waste materials easier, slope with an inclination of 39 degrees with respect to the horizontal, up to the back side of the bowl (2) that ends in a large curved section (D) which has a spot called dock. This dock has a special design, flat in the lower part in spite of the round geometry of the siphon, to allow a greater water overflow than a round geometry. It then descends again in a third trajectory (E) towards the lower part of the sanitary system n the form of a slightly curved path until it reaches a lower corner (F) and ends in an elongated trajectory (G) that leads to the drainage system.

Thus, for the development of the product of the present invention, there was a challenge to work with two variables that collide in the design of toilet devices: mega low water consumption and performance (waste capacity) of the toilet. In order to achieve the suitable balance between these two objectives, three aspects were considered:

Energy Orientation (Water)

It started from the idea of energy in weight of water available (approximately 6.6 lbs/3 kgs) to be delivered from the tank to the howl. To achieve a better use of this energy, a discharging valve of 3 inches (7.62 mm) in diameter was used, which provides one hundred twenty five percent (125%) more of flow area than conventional discharging valves of 2 inches (5.08 mm). To ensure an effective free fall of this force, the water channels were optimized by minimizing all kinds of shocks and abrupt changes of direction, so that the maximum force of water towards the jet and the washing holes is achieved. An inclination of 39 degrees with respect to the horizontal and special distribution of 50 centimeters from each other was additionally designed for the washing holes; this to maximize the washing of the well walls with very few blasts, 25 holes 4 mm in diameter, with very little water passing by them (about 15% of the total water used in the discharging). Finally, the remaining energy (85% of the water volume) was applied to the jet channel to achieve an optimal efficiency in the dragging of the waste material and feeding of the siphon.

Well Geometry

The well shape was changed for an elongated funnel-type that ensures that the size of the water mirror covers the falling zones of solid and liquid waste of user, containing little water. Additionally, the siphon inlet and the jet were also strategically located to encage the waste material therein and, thus, leading it more efficiently to the siphon with the water jet force effect for its evacuation.

Siphon Geometry

Siphon geometry was changed to make it have fewer stoppages to handle the large water flow to make the rapid pass of water and waste material outwardly easier without losing its siphonic effect. For this purpose, the siphon begins with a low slope ramp—39 degrees with respect to the horizontal—that facilitates the entrance of water at high speed and flow. Subsequently, at the end of the slope in the so-called dock, it exhibits a flat weir, in spite of its external circular appearance, to facilitate a more rapid water overflowing which will flood the siphon in its descending path. Following the weir, the siphon geometry exhibits a widely open curve to avoid stoppages that return the waste material and facilitate the turn of the great water flow. Finally, it exhibits a great straight path which function is to generate, when filled, a pulling effect of water and waste material when the well is filled and, by communicating vessels action, for a total and effective evacuation of the water together with the solid and liquid waste.

Currently, in the world market there is not a gravity fed toilet with a water consumption of 1 gpf (3.8 lpf), since the reduction of the water consumption makes it more difficult to ensure the performance in the material evacuation and the complying with national and international specifications. The only toilets available in the market with a water consumption of 1 gpf (3.8 lpf) are pressure-assisted, which increase the total cost and are not attractive for consumers because of the cost of the special fittings required. There is not a product in the local or international market that provides the set of advantages exhibited by the present product (valve system of 3 inches (762 mm), siphonic, closed rim and mega low water consumption).

The performance regarding evacuation capacity of solid material is around 1000 g of MISO-Veritec Consulting, Inc. test (internationally accepted standard in the toilet industry)

Components of Product

The mega low water consumption toilet of the present invention is composed of two main elements, very similar to conventional toilet devices, but with novel arrangements and specifications which allow saving water consumption, as can be observed in FIGS. 1 to 6.

1—A Sanitary Porcelain Tank with Plastic Fittings for Gravity Fed Toilet.

All the components in the tank are standard and normally available, but they must be specially graduated to achieve the correct water delivery required for the toilet functioning.

Specifications of the tank components:

-   -   An inlet valve for water supply of 15/16 inches (238 mm), which         ensures the water level required in the tank for a water column         pressure of 220 mm. This valve could vary in size, shape and         material without affecting its main function of ensuring the         water level in the tank, which is essential, i.e., water head         pressure in the tank. This variable of water head pressure in         the tank could change in a range but it would significantly         affect the toilet performance, however it would not affect the         promised consumption of one (1) gallon.     -   An outlet valve of 3 inches (762 mm) in diameter. Its function         is to ensure the delivery of the required amount of water         towards the bowl (this valve could vary in size, shape and         material without affecting its main function of ensuring the         amount of water delivered). This “amount of required water”         variable could also vary in a definite range, but significantly         affects the toilet performance, without it not still being a one         gallon per flush toilet.     -   An actuator, which function is to lift the outlet valve seal         (This actuator may vary in size, shape and material without         altering its main function of ensuring the lifting of the seal).

The material of the tank is sanitary porcelain, but it could be modified, without affecting the toilet performance.

2—A Sanitary Porcelain Bowl, without Additional Accessories, Developed for Consuming 1 gpf (3.8 lpf).

The bowl comprises the following elements:

Rim: it is the upper portion of the bowl, and its main function is to transport the water toward the well washing holes and the jet channel.

Washing Holes: Their function is to evacuate air and water to wash the well and lead the waste retained in the well towards the siphon inlet. These could vary in size, location, arrangement, angle, without affecting the toilet performance. The important aspect is that said holes fulfill the function of delivering approximately 15% of water to wash the well and displace the charge towards the siphon.

Jet Channel: Its function is to efficiently channel the water toward the siphon inlet, without abrupt changes of path or restrictions (this channel could vary in size and path, without affecting the toilet performance). The key aspect is that said channel fulfills the function of delivering approximately 85% of water without abrupt changes of paths or restrictions.

Siphon: Its function is to evacuate the water together with the residues towards the blow-off pipeline under the siphonic effect of its the total filling (Siphon could vary its geometry without affecting the toilet performance, the essential is allowing the filling with less stoppages with a great water flow and being able to discharge it).

In general, these are some of the aspects that may be susceptible of modifications, without affecting the toilet performance in its specific objective of saving water consumption:

-   -   Certain aesthetic parts that do not affect areas and paths of         the water channels.     -   Well geometry in the area that does not contain water.     -   Rim geometry.     -   Base geometry.     -   The material of the howl is sanitary porcelain, but it may be         modified, without affecting the toilet performance, provided the         technical aspects are maintained. The material does not         influence the result, but its shape and dimensions are key to         allow the toilet to perform with 1 gpf (3.8 lpf) of water.

Toilet Assembly and Functioning

The fitting assembly in the tank can be carried out in the conventional way, according to the industry standards. The installation of the toilet in the bathroom may be carried out in the conventional way, as illustrated for example, in 279050 Instructions for Generic Toilets in Spanish

The toilet of the present invention works under the concept of gravity fed siphonic toilet, as can be observed in FIG. 7. After correctly assembling the tank fitting, the tank and the bowl are correctly assembled in a suitable way according to code requirements, the water level in the tank and the water spot (water surface in the howl) are well are adjusted, water is discharged by activating the button lifting the seal of the outlet valve in the tank which allows the pass of approximately 0.8 gallons (3 liters) of water from the tank toward a first chamber in the rim specially designed with a descendent ramp to lead approximately 85% of water toward the jet channel, to ensure minimal energy loss in a great free fall (in conventional toilets, this chamber exhibits a plane ramp which generates energy loss). The remaining 15% of water (0.2 gallons/0.8 liters) is led toward the rim channel to wash the well by means of the washing holes, which also complies with the function of leading the waste toward the siphon inlet.

Meanwhile, the water runs at great flow and speed through the jet channel toward its exit, pushes the waste charge and the water contained within the well toward the siphon inlet, continuing with an ascent through it towards the weir (peak point of siphon at the end of the ramp); the ramp has a lower slope as compared to conventional toilets, as illustrated in the comparative FIGS. 8 a and 8 b). After reaching the weir, the water is rapidly thrown from the weir, specially designed (plane in the lower point of overflowing, which in conventional toilets is round) for facilitating a more rapid turn and in a larger amount of water with the waste material. This great water flow continues its path keeping the whole siphon area filled until it reaches the bowl exit. Along this path there are no abrupt changes of direction generating loss of flow continuity, thus making it possible for this amount or volume of water to pull, in combination with the jet, all the material and contaminated water out from well to the exterior, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The cycle ends when water supply from the jet stops, just a few moments before the whole well is emptied, which guarantees a total change of contaminated water. For this reason, the remaining water in the well has a high dilution percentage of 80%, which improves to 99% when water enters from the fittings in the process of filling the tank by means of the filling hose to the well.

In sum, the toilet of the present invention works by taking advantage of high speed water flow, effectively channeled toward the well and the siphon, which fills the siphon completely ensuring the siphonic effect that completes the effective evacuation of water and waste. The above is possible thanks to an outlet valve which is 125% greater than one in a conventional toilet; the jet channel effectively headed; the jet power; the low slope of the first siphon path; the plane overflowing of the weir; and the great final path of the siphon with a geometry without brakes.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

A gravity fed toilet of low consumption as the one of the present invention exhibits the following technical specifications, which comply with ICONTEC NTC920 code (ASME/ANSI A112.19.2-2008 code for USA).

Size:

A gravity fed toilet device for adults according to the present invention may have a total height (from floor to top of rim) of 13.5 to 15.5 inches (343 to 393 mm) and a width of 14.0 to 14.8 inches (355 to 375 mm).

A gravity fed toilet device for young people according to the present invention may have a total height (from floor to top of rim) cc 10.5 to 15.5 inches (267 to 343 mm) and a width of 14.0 to 14.8 inches (355 to 375 mm).

A gravity fed toilet device for kids according to the present invention may have a total height of (from floor to top of rim) 9.5 to 10.5 inches (241 to 267 mm) and a width of 14.0 to 14.8 inches (355 to 375 mm).

A gravity fed toilet device for handicapped people according to the present invention may have a total height (from floor to top of rim) of 15.5 to 17.0 (393 to 432 mm) and a width of 14.0 to 14.8 inches (355 mm to 375 mm.

A gravity fed toilet device according to the present invention is characterized because the bowl (2) is round or elongated between the fixing holes of the seat.

A gravity fed toilet device with a round front bowl according to the present invention is characterized because the frontal portion of the bowl (2) has 16 to 17 inches (407 to 433 mm).

A gravity fed toilet device with an elongated front bowl according to the present invention is characterized because the frontal portion of the bowl (2) has between 18 to 19 inches (456 and 484 mm).

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

Now, the advantages of the gravity fed toilet of mega low water consumption according to the present invention may be summarized on the basis of the following considerations as compared to the conventional toilet devices:

-   -   Savings in water consumption.         -   Water Saving of 37.5% for each discharge as compared to             current conventional toilets of low consumption (discharge             of 1.6 gpf/6 lpf).         -   Saving is 71.4% as compared against a conventional toilet of             early generation (discharge of 3.5 gpf/13 lpf).     -   The performance regarding evacuation capacity of solid material         is equivalent or better than a 1.6 gpf/6 lpf conventional         consumption toilet, or one of ultra low consumption (1.28 gpf         4.85 lpf). Inner results of Veritec test show a solid evacuation         capacity of around 1000 g of MISO.     -   No special accessories are required in the system to achieve the         objective. This makes it possible that both manufacturing and         plumbing of the products do not vary with respect to those         currently used in the market.     -   The use of conventional fitting systems, as compared to any         pressure-assisted toilet device, allows to maintain a low cost         in product, making it accessible to a greater potential market.

Now, any person skilled in the art, particularly any skilled person who has access to the teachings of the present invention shall recognize without great difficulty that it is possible to make modifications in the gravity fed toilet disclosed therein, without them getting apart from the scope and spirit of the invention. For instance, it would be recognized that any variety of components that comply with the purposes of the invention may be used. Consequently, all of the embodiments and modifications exposed in the present invention should not be understood as limitations of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the contents of the following claims. 

1. A gravity fed toilet device comprising a main body formed by a water storing tank (1) and a bowl (2) located on a support base, characterized because the water storing tank includes an inlet valve (1.1) for supplying water by means of which a water head pressure of 220 mm is ensured, and an actuator (1.2) that lifts the seal of an outlet valve (1.3) allowing the exit of water toward the bowl (2) in two paths, one of the paths runs through the bowl (2) in its upper portion by surrounding a rim (2.1) which exhibits in its lower portion a set of washing holes (2.2) separated from each other and located along its lower inner surface in a sloped way; the second path at the end of the outlet valve (1.3) runs through the jet channel (2.3) which channels the exit water toward an elongated siphon (2.4) having smooth curved edges, wherein said siphon (2.4) runs through the bowl (2) downwardly as a ramp in a first path (A), and then surrounds it in its lower portion passing by the well located in the mid portion of the bowl (2), to subsequently ascends as a ramp inclined toward the rear portion of the bowl (2) in a second path (B) until it ends in a round corner, to descend again in a third path (C) toward the lower portion of the toilet device as a slightly curved straight path until it reaches a corner and ends in a path (D) leading to the blow-off pipelines.
 2. A gravity fed toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet valve (1.1) has a diameter of 15/16 inches (238 mm).
 3. A gravity fed toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet valve (1.3) has an outlet diameter of 3 inches (762 mm).
 4. A gravity fed toilet device for adults according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a total height (from floor to top of rim) of 13.5 to 15.5 inches (343 to 393 mm) and a width of 14.0 to 14.8 inches (355 to 375 mm).
 5. A gravity fed toilet device for youngsters according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a total height (from floor to top of rim) of 10.5 to 15.5 inches (267 to 343 mm) and a width of 14.0 to 14.8 inches (355 to 375 mm).
 6. A gravity fed toilet device for children according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a total height (from floor to top of rim) 9.5 to 10.5 inches (241 to 267 mm) and a width of 14.0 to 14.8 inches (355 to 375 mm).
 7. A gravity fed toilet device for handicapped according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a total height (from floor to top of rim) of 15.5 to 17.0 (393 to 432 mm) and a width of 14.0 to 14.8 inches (355 to 375 mm).
 8. A gravity fed toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bowl (2) is round or elongated between the fixing holes of the seat.
 9. A gravity fed toilet device with a round front according to claim 1, characterized in that the frontal portion of the bowl (2) has 16 to 17 inches (407 to 433 mm).
 10. A gravity fed toilet device with an elongated front according to claim 1, characterized in that the frontal portion of the bowl (2) has 18 to 19 inches (456 to 484 mm). 